So when exactly was the Christian Advent Wreath invented as a Christian tradition?

I'm a Lutheran, but I've never heard of an Advent Wreath.

My guess would be the 16th century from Germany and yes it probably was a Lutheran invention like the Christmas Tree. And I do believe that the Catholic Church incorporated it into their cultures in relation to the Protestants having it in theirs.

The Eastern Orthodox also have the Advent wreath which they incorporated much latter on but their Advent wreath has six candles because the Eastern Advent is longer than the Western Advent.

The actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring. In Scandinavia during Winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth.

By the Middle Ages, the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas........ (Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God -John 3:19-21).

By 1600, both Catholics and Lutherans had more formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.

Just an FYI... the 5th candle, found in the center, is lit on Christmas day and is white for the pure and perfect Christ child. No other color is acceptable. You also continue to light it during the 12 days of Christmas (until Epiphany)

Not sure of the origins, but I grew up with one, and we continue that tradition in our family.

I am a Christian and i shouldn't have a hindrance with homosexual folks :) I suppose marriage must be between a man and lady but simply seeing that any one believes differently than me doesn't provide me grounds to be mean or say nasty matters to them